The Heywood and Middleton MP is believed to have been on a trip to Poland with
a parliamentary committee.

Dobbin was a microbiologist for three decades before securing the seat in
1997, and had a 6,000 majority in 2010.

The Labour leader said: “Jim’s death is a sad day for parliament. He was a
dedicated public servant, representing the people of Rochdale on the council
and at Westminster for three decades. Working in the NHS for more than 30
years, Jim had a deep passion